Build a like-for-like cost comparison
| Cost item | Current route | Proposed MIM route |
|---|---|---|
| Fixed investment | Fixtures, setup and qualification | Mold, supports, fixtures and qualification |
| Material | Purchased stock less recoverable scrap value | Feedstock and processing losses |
| Processing | Current operations, handling and cycle times | Molding, debinding, sintering and secondary operations |
| Quality | Inspection, scrap and rework per accepted part | First articles, inspection, scrap and rework |
| Delivery and change | Packaging, logistics, inventory and revision costs | Equivalent delivered scope and tooling change allowance |
Understand the break-even calculation
Break-even quantity = (MIM fixed cost − current-route fixed cost) ÷ (current-route variable cost per accepted part − MIM variable cost per accepted part).
Use this simplified comparison only when its inputs refer to the same part requirements and cost scope. If recurring MIM cost is not lower, there is no positive payback on a higher MIM fixed investment in this model. A lower fixed investment requires a different crossover interpretation.
Demand changes, tool maintenance, qualification delays and financing can change the result. This checklist is not a quotation or a live commodity-price forecast.
What to gather before asking for a quote
- Current material and process, including secondary operations.
- Drawings, critical interfaces and allowable design changes.
- Annual demand, batch size and expected program life.
- Inspection requirements, current yield and delivered cost scope.
- Conductivity, corrosion, temperature and load requirements.